IndieReader Discovery Awards 2024 Entrants
Added as our reviewers read them, find the latest verdicts for the 2024 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June!
Life has a funny way of reacting to the many directions of love—in Katherine Lazaruk’s LOVE IS NOT PIE (the pieces are cut in an unpredictable but familiar way. This personal collection of poems touches on love, fear, sex, conflict, and a host of emotions and unusual situations that may resonate with readers. Easy-to-digest paragraphs help to give each poem its own sense of meaning and direction.
S. B. Frasca’s NOT MY FAULT is the tale of Hy, an introverted 10th grade boy who uses his artistic talent to deal with classmate bullying, sexual identity, and inner emotional struggles. The plotline shows that having an outlet—art, music, sports, and the like—helps people of all ages focus on being productive rather than not destructive.
With three unlikely heroes, Author JoAnna McSpadden casts a spell of fantasy and intrigue in OBSIDIAN TIDE. The trio embarks on a journey questioning everything they know in a world of latent magical abilities, warring power-hungry factions, and a quest to save them all. Readers will be caught up in the adventure, forcing the trio to find the truth of themselves beyond the societal roles expected of them.
“Coming of age” isn’t just about teenagers and their introduction to adulthood. Complete with magical and mythical creatures to help guide her destiny, Lydia M. Hawke’s BECOMING CRONE is about a 60-year-old divorcee who learns more about her own worth as an aging but experienced woman and protector of life. This unique fantasy storyline is a salute to those of us considered by society to be past our primes — but the magic has just begun.
Families can be complicated, and it’s not always easy to accept the differences between each member, especially when a husband and father chooses to become true to herself by transitioning to become a woman. In ANALYZING THE PRESCOTTS by Dawn Reno Langley, “dysfunctional” may have been a word to describe this family 50 years ago, but not so much in the 21st century. With well-written dialogue that gets to the heart of difficult conversations, this piece of thought-provoking fiction may bring readers a better understanding of living as transgender and how it affects one’s family.
Is Santa Claus truly real? Well, that depends on who you ask. THE SANTA BOOK—A TRUE STORY by Erin Eby tells the “truth” about Santa in a sensitive way for children to understand and accept. With clarifying text and creative vintage-like illustrations, the story guides children through the philosophies of why the concept of Santa exists, and how they, too, can continue the joy of passing along the Christmas spirit.
THE MIMAMEID SOLUTION by Katherine Kempf is a dystopian fiction set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the climate crisis, following Lysander and Petra as they navigate through the rising conflict between the Celts and the Norse. Through vivid visual imagery, the author paints a moving picture of the elements in the otherworldy Mimameid, roping readers into the narrative. The book follows themes of class discrimination, hope in the face of conflict, and community, commenting on phenomena such as social privilege. Fans of fast-paced dystopian fiction will enjoy this book.
SKY ICE by E.G Sparks is a thrilling fantasy book following an eighteen-year-old orphan Arien, chronicling the turns her life takes after running into unnatural beings in a junkyard. Arien’s story is revealed to the readers slowly, with suspense, as the narrative develops along with haunting world-building. With clear and flowing prose, the author draws the readers into her book from the first chapter. Along with conveying the central thematic concern of conflict between good and evil, the author incorporates fantastical elements such as fae, demon hunters and angels. Readers of fantasy will surely enjoy this gripping narrative.
THOU SHALT NOT COVET by Sebastian Sharpe is a riveting horror novel centred around protagonist Archer as he struggles with a persistent and dangerous stalker. The suspense in the plot is built right from the get-go, as the readers question who Archer’s stalker could be. The author also sheds light on LBBTQ+ relationships, representing them in a realistic light, as Archer interacts with Finn and Declan. Complete with complex and well-developed characters, this page-turner will satisfy readers who appreciate well-written and novel thrillers.
Daniel Brown’s NOVEL INTERVENTIONS is science-fiction thriller that introduces readers to William “Billy” Budd, a whip-smart, poorly paid grad assistant. Lured by the promise of $250, Billy signs up as a volunteer for genetic research at Frost Labs and quickly forms an attraction with a program employee. However, initial tests uncover that Billy has an unprecedented medical condition, one which Frost Labs fully intends to exploit. The story is a literary roller-coaster ride into a futuristic, dystopian world of surreal horror that reads like HG Wells on acid, driven by an entertainingly perplexed protagonist who peppers the disturbing narrative with darkly humorous asides and socio-cultural references.
An innovative epic fantasy, Natalie Wright’s SEASON OF THE DRAGON immerses readers with descriptive scenery as a young woman on a journey of self-discovery searches for the truth of her soul and finds family in the peculiar characters she encounters.
2442 STEPS TO CRAZY by D. Paul Fleming is a gripping book following the protagonist as he navigates an abusive household and extreme trauma. The language is emotive and moving, keeping the readers invested in the story while further developing the plot. As the book expounds on the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma through the protagonist’s character, the importance of faith and spirituality is highlighted to readers. The role of society in helping abuse survivors, supernatural elements in villains and the pitfalls of established support systems are explored in detail as the author presents a complete story of resilience and hope in the face of hardship.
When author Chelsey Glasson’s dream career working for Google turned into a discrimination nightmare, she was strongly advised by the majority of legal and health professionals to desist from pursuing redress. Thankfully, Glasson ignored their advice, persevered in the face of overwhelming odds, and filed a lawsuit against the tech giant. In BLACK BOX (A Pregnancy Discrimination Memoir), Glasson gives an eye-opening and candid account of the insidious discrimination she experienced at Google. Unfolding her story in a clear-sighted, purposeful manner, Glasson’s integrity and tenacity are inspirational, together with the guidance she provides for readers who find themselves in similar positions.
Newly qualified teacher Bertie Patchet is eager to find a position but it’s 1936 and America is in the grip of the Great Depression. As a young woman without experience, her employment options are near hopeless, and returning home is impossible. A chance conversation sparks an idea in the spirited and unconventional Bertie. Maybe she could ride the rails, adventuring as a boxcar-hopping hobo, and, who knows? It just might lead to opportunity. Despite dealing with some serious themes, ON THE RAILS: THE ADVENTURES OF BOXCAR BERTIE is an entertaining and enjoyable read with the highly engaging and vivacious Bertie at the helm. Rosemary and Larry Mild have written an accomplished and jaunty novel, packed with action, danger, and a contrasting touch of sweet satisfaction.
PINK PANTHERS by Neboysha Saikovski is the first book in a trilogy, following the titular gang of diamond thieves plotting and planning their next moves. Part biographical, part thriller, part historical fiction, and part crime, the action-packed story fuses many genres with a fast-paced narrative, along with compelling and well-developed characters. Readers interested in historical fiction with a penchant for crime thrillers will enjoy this book.
UNDERSTANDING SUPERHERO COMIC BOOKS by Alex Grand is a comprehensive exploration of the world of comic books: the author details the creation of comic strips and story-telling through this medium, starting from Europe in the 1600s. The book explains how historical and cultural influences guided the giants in the comic book world, using flowing and witty prose to engage readers. Furthermore, the book investigates the significance behind superheroes such as Superman and Batman, interweaving the technical aspects of the comic book industry within the text seamlessly. Comic book fanatics will be delighted by this walk through the annals of comic book history.
King Mabanda rules the poverty-stricken Central African country of Maleziland with total control founded on extreme brutality. Wallowing in obscene amounts of pilfered wealth, Mabanda raises his son, Mandebala, to also be a depraved despot. Except Mandebala isn’t his biological son. Mateyo, a good-natured, compassionate but naïve boy from the shanty town is. Brent J. Ludwig’S THOSE WOULD BE KING is an engrossing, highly readable novel written in straightforward yet elegant prose. Political doctrine, the corruption of absolute power, and authoritarianism are a few of the themes explored through a fascinating and unusual narrative that has the darkly enchanting and allegorical quality of a twisted fairytale.
A long-form poetry epic, told in four parts, Ashton Thayne’s TO LIE WITH URSA IN THE GREY CAVE is a modern retelling of the legend of the Greek goddess Artemis, she of wild animals, vegetation and the hunt. The Mistress of Animals is sent on a quest by Zeus to hunt Callisto – the goddess of nature in the form of a great and ancient bear – in order to prove her worth and come home to sit in her rightful place among the gods of Mount Olympus. Though a short read, Thayne takes reader’s on a fresh and compelling journey. Recommended for readers of all ages and genders, especially those already fond and familiar with Greek mythology and deeply connected to the nature all around us.